Members of Parliament get a 'free shower' in Cape Town

New and returning MPs received a steady shower of Cape Town rain as a welcoming gift to Parliament on Wednesday morning.

Those with some years of experience came equipped with parliamentary umbrellas and took a leisurely stroll into the National Assembly building ahead of being sworn in.

The recently-installed bust of former president Nelson Mandela smiled on people at the entrance. The cobblestoned drive resembled a showroom with lines of luxury cars dropping off passengers.

Some MPs were unprepared for the rain and cold weather, and struggled to keep their balance in stiletto heels.

Winnie Madikizela-Mandela of the African National Congress was dressed in black with feathers on her shoulders. She kept her head down to avoid questions from the media.

President Jacob Zuma's nephew Khulubuse Zuma brightened up proceedings in a matching turquoise top and pants.

Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa and Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan arrived in solemn suits a few minutes before the doors closed.

The media pack surrounded Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema and his colleagues in red boiler suits and dust coats with aprons as he walked to the Assembly building's front stairs. He then changed direction and used another entrance.

Malema, also wearing a red hard-hat, smiled and seemed unperturbed by the commotion. A journalist tried to get near him to ask a question and was pushed away.

Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng is presiding over the swearing in of MPs, which started at 10.30am. The election of the National Assembly speaker will follow.